Central Track Contributor
It's Halloween, Everybody! (Well, Close Enough.)
This weekend, Halloween festivities kick off all around Dallas. Later today, we'll post a story specifically highlighting just those events, which more than likely will feature a number of costume contests, pumpkin carvings and lots of booze. (See that list here.)
But perhaps you're not feeling that spirit? Maybe you'd rather ride your bike, take your dog out or see a show? Ah, see, that's where this handy weekend post comes in.
Friday
Ben Kweller at The Kessler
When he's not telling you to Go Fly a Kite (album puns!), Ben Kweller is shredding a guitar and thrifting for more plaid shirts to wear.
Broncho at Bryan St. Tavern
Oklahoma City is probably more known for their kickass basketball team than their music scene, but if more awesome bands like Broncho start coming out of the area, maybe that will change. Broncho's a brass garage rock group that represents Oklahoma well.
Gwar at House of Blues
Gwar is one of those bands that you should see at least once in your life, if only because it's such a unique experience. Heavy metal, costumes and some pretty gross stuff will make this show pretty unforgettable.
Critical Mass Bike Ride at Main Street Garden
Starting at 8 p.m., you can join other local bikers (er, cyclists) to spread awareness to the face that, yes, people actually do bike in Dallas. Helmet-heads need to stick together.
Ronnie Fauss and The O's at Dada
A strong local country-folk bill tonight at Dada, all in celebration of Ronnie Fauss' debut release on New West Records.
Blues, Bandits, and BBQ at 715 W. Davis St.
If you're a carnivore, this is definitely where you should be tonight. The event is free to attend, but if you want to eat meat (and, let's face it, if you're going, you totally do) you need to pre-purchase a “tasting wristband.” Chill, hang out, eat food and listen to some bands while you ponder the state of your arteries.
Jack Ingram at Dallas City Performance Hall
SMU alum and former Adair's Saloon regular Jack Ingram becomes the first country performer to play the new city-owned Arts District venue tonight, where he'll perform acoustic songs after an opening show from Slobberbone's Brent Best.
Saturday
Whiskey Folk Ramblers, Slobberbone, and Dove Hunter at Kessler Theater
Arrive in your Halloween costume to see Whiskey Folk Ramblers, a band so large that Earth, Wind and Fire feel moderately threatened. Maybe you can jump onstage and join them? They might not notice, considering they're also playing with local powerhouses Slobberbone and Dove Hunter.
5th Annual Texas Custom Bike Show at Dada
The normally music-inclined Dada gets turned on is head this weekend (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) as some 15 custom bicycle entities will exhibit their latest works throughout the venue.
Yells at Eels at Good Records
A jazz group is not really the type of band I would expect to be called “Yells at Eels,” and I also doubt that they literally yell at eels unless they spend quite a bit of time at the aquarium, but, nonetheless, this is a chill group, and a Good Records set is just what the doctor ordered.
Crocodiles at Dada
Crocodiles are probably one of the more interesting psychedelic garage bands to come out of the woodworks in the past few years. Rough around the edges tracks like “Hollow Hollow Eyes” and “Mirrors” are proof positive that Crocodiles are not messing around.
Ghostland Observatory at Palladium
What is it with these guys and playing Dallas every year near Halloween? Not that the local sororities are complaining.
Barktoberfest at Frisco Commons Park
Bring your dog for some fun activities — including a photobooth and a raffle — that will benefit the Frisco Humane Society. Dogs are man's best friend, so bring your best friend out for a hangout that they'll surely appreciate. Then make your dog a friendship bracelet.
The League Live at the Majestic Theatre
The dudes behind FX's fantasy football-focused sitcom will be taking to the Majestic stage to offer up sketches and stand-up and, most likely, to make fun of Greg Jennings' groin injury.
Sunday
The Smithereens at Granada
This band of “Blood and Roses” and “A Girl Like You” fame will reunite you with your '80s dreams.
Shovels & Rope and Somebody's Darling at La Grange
Endearing South Carolinian country-folk outfit Shovels & Rope has developed quite the local following by joining likeminded local bands on bills.
City of Dallas BBQ Championship
If you are one of the over 30 teams competing, you could win $1,000 for having the best BBQ in Dallas.
Spooky Cross Bike Races at Cedar's Food Park
If you like biking but feel like you need to be the fastest, then this is probably the event for you! There will be bike races, Halloween costumes, food trucks, and most importantly, beer.
